Radiation Safety Specialist

The University of Texas at Arlington Portal•Arlington, TX

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Safety Specialist III (Radiation Safety Specialist) assists the EH&S Assistant Director in implementing and managing the University’s Radiation Safety Program to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations and promote a safe working and learning environment. Serve as Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) for the University’s Broad Radioactive Materials License and Radiation Producing Machine Registration. Support laboratory safety programs, hazardous materials management, regulatory compliance, and emergency response activities.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Health Physics, Radiation Protection, Nuclear Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or a related applied science field.
Two (2) years of professional experience in radiation safety, health physics, laboratory safety, environmental health and safety, engineering, biological sciences, chemistry, environmental science, or a closely related field.
Equivalent combinations of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Health Physics, Radiation Protection, Nuclear Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or a related applied science field.
Three (3) or more years of experience supporting a radiation safety program of comparable size and complexity.
Experience working in a higher education, research, or academic medical environment.
Registration with the National Registry of Radiological Protection Technologists (NRRPT).

Responsibilities

Serve as Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) for the University’s Broad Radioactive Materials License and Radiation Producing Machine Registration.
Maintain compliance with applicable state and federal regulations, license conditions, and registration requirements.
Maintain inventories of radioactive materials, sealed sources, radiation-producing machines, and authorized users.
Conduct laboratory inspections, radiation surveys, and sealed source leak tests.
Manage receipt, inventory, storage, transfer, and disposal of radioactive materials and radioactive waste.
Ensure radiation detection instruments are properly maintained and calibrated.
Administer the personnel dosimetry program, including issuance, collection, report review, and record keeping.
Provide technical guidance to faculty, staff, and students regarding the safe use of radioactive materials and radiation-producing equipment.
Coordinate and facilitate Radiation Safety Committee meetings.
Review new radioactive material use applications and amendments in collaboration with Principal Investigators and the Radiation Safety Committee.
Maintain required records and documentation in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Serve as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies and support inspections and audits.
Develop, update, and implement radiation safety policies, procedures, manuals, and training materials.
Conduct and document annual program reviews and assessments.
Conduct inspections of assigned laboratories, shops, and associated safety equipment, including fume hoods, eyewash stations, and safety showers.
Identify safety deficiencies and work with stakeholders to implement corrective actions.
Evaluate personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements and effectiveness.
Support hazardous waste management activities, including waste collection from designated accumulation areas.
Assist with administration of the Laser Safety Program, including inventories, audits, and training.
Serve as the University’s primary coordinator for radioactive material shipping, receiving, and transportation activities.
Ensure compliance with applicable DOT, IATA, and other transportation regulations.
Maintain required shipping, receipt, and disposal records.
Coordinate radioactive waste shipment and disposal through approved vendors.
Assist in the investigation of accidents, incidents, and regulatory compliance issues.
Respond to radiation, hazardous materials, and other EH&S emergencies, including after hours, weekend, and holiday incidents as required.
Provide technical support during spill response and remediation activities.
Perform other Environmental Health and Safety duties and special projects as assigned.